Tuesday, September 11, 2012

I don't blog much these days and for that I apologize. I have been reading, writing, wasting away at the beach under the pretense of making vitamin D and sacrificing my eardrums in the name of rock'n'roll. Saw The Black Lips (the show that got shut down two songs in), King Tuff, Nobunny, Night Beats, Thee Oh Sees and last weekend I saw Tycho in Dallas because surely I am their biggest groupie now having seen them in LA, San Diego and Dallas. They also signed my tits.

So who are the Philophiles? “I like the idea that at Céline we attract a very varying group of women,” Ms. Philo said by e-mail while preparing for the March 4 presentation.“They are all different, but with the common thread of an appreciation for clothes that suggest something new but made to last far beyond fast-trend fashion.”

“Phoebe Philo at Céline creates a collection each season that is about building a wardrobe rather than focusing on throwaway trends.I think, as a working woman (and mum), she really has that ability to resonate with what women want to wear.”

Céline’s critical and commercial success lies not only with the customers’ feelings for the clothes, but with their marketing and the public image of their designer.

As for her creative process, Ms. Philo said: “I am interested in consistency and what Céline will one day stand for. There are various words that always come up when I talk or think about starting a new collection: awareness, sharpness, fabric, reduced, new, refined, discretion and attitude.”

C.) I have spent $1K+ on a handbag before, and I will again. But these days, I am not in the mood. So although the Celine Cabas tote was my dream bag, I decided to search for an alternative. I turned to Etsy and found Adimaa, a Canadian leather goods designer, who custom made a bag with all the same aesthetics for me, for $120. And this bag is sumptuous, sturdy and beautiful. Happy birthday, me.

And here are my siblings, here to help me celebrate my annual anniversary (redundant much?) with life.

Keep up with my adventures in sisterhood with my new personal tumblr, orange & lovers.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

I literally own a quarter of what I did two months ago. After two months of strict culling, the last large load of extra dishes (who needs more than one set?!), a box of dogeared novels (I'm trying to go strictly Kindle) and cookbooks (what isn't on the internet?), extra linens (that don't fit the new mattress) and fur coats (San Diego. Nuff said) will go to Goodwill this weekend.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Skull dish, West ElmThe Black Album, Hanif Kureishi (a stylish coming-of-age story of an Indian fellow in London in the 90's, at the beginning of the ecstasy-rave scene, surrounded by political turmoil and race tension)

I have been stricken by a desire-- a need-- to own less. The clutter around me began to weigh me down. Physically and mentally. I decided to sell, throw out or giveaway as much as I could.

I used to keep everything, especially vintage and designer clothes, with the idea that one day it would be precious to leave behind an incredible, stylish, vintage, priceless wardrobe to my daughters or granddaughters. Then when I thought about how materialism and owning things is akin to shackles, I realized, why would I ever bring children into the world ALREADY burdened with belongings? I will travel the world with them, enrich their lives, and if they choose to fill it material goods-- that is their choice. I will not burden them from birth.

At first there were hefty culls, lots of unworn and unused went out. Then deeper cuts were made-- "I love this, but when was the last time I used it?" It started with clothes and books and shoes-- things that take up space. Once a little space opened up, I wanted more and more. And I began getting rid of more, cutting deeper and deeper into my once-gripping materialism. Now, my rule is that I should be able to live out of a suitcase. And each and every item in that suitcase is perfect, high-quality and versatile. And I will spend my money on consumables-- things that I will not take to the grave-- expensive candles, better wines, The New York Times-- or else on timeless pieces-- a new leather jacket, diamond earrings-- or on travel.

For those that know me, this life-changing obsession has been accompanied by a self-enforced period of singledom and celibacy. I'm not going to say it feels great, but it was much needed and you know what? It feels great. I am light, free, joyful and in my minimalism, I found the beginning of the path to enlightenment.